Run away … or stand up and fight for the Truth?

In the increasingly hostile climate that surrounds the Catholic Church today, we are faced with two ways to respond. And more and more Catholics are deciding that running away is not their style. Fueled by the attacks on the Church, they instead are leaning in and working to better understand and defend their faith.

I recently met a woman in her 70's who has come back to the Church after decades away. She indicated that the shift in her life was due to the constant attacks on the Church. She said, "I kept reading about the assault on our religious liberties and it prompted me to ask myself, 'Why did I ever leave the Church in the first place?'" She has initiated efforts to learn her faith and is working with her parish priest to get Fr. Robert Barron's Catholicism series launched in her parish. Like many others, she feels ill-equipped to argue for her faith — but she is not letting that hold her back.

Thankfully, we live in an era of fantastic organizations like EWTN and Catholic Answers that work day and night to form the faithful and equip them to survive — and even thrive — in hostile times. And God has brought to the front lines a number of extraordinary apologists who have unique talents to offer our world in this fight. Enter John Martignoni. I don’t know who coined the term “Blue-Collar Apologetics” to describe John’s approach, but it fits.
John’s particular gift is in breaking down complex ideas and making them very simple. In essence, anyone with a high-school education (or even less) can defend their faith using John’s approach. This is not to say that John is in any way simplistic. He just has a particular knack for using Scripture and common sense to boil down arguments to their most basic elements — and presents them in memorable ways that anyone can learn and put into practice.

John can be heard on the air every week on EWTN Radio's Open Line call in show. You can also get his free audio materials — on CD or mp3 download — at his website: www.BibleChristianSociety.com.

Fighting for the Truth takes preparation. Are you willing to do what it takes to defend your faith in tough times? Check out John’s work for some outstanding tools to help you. Lent is on the way — what a great time to begin.

Comments

Dan; You say you met a woman recently who ‘came back… after decades away’. Ok my 1st though is “why now ?”. I assume those ‘decades’ would include Pope JP2’s pontificate. Many Catholics refer to him now as Pope John Paul the Great for obvious reasons. With respect, I found it odd that the recent papacy of Pope Francis would inspire her to ‘come back’. Is his direction for the church different to that of Pope JP ? In my opinion it certainly is. A few quotes depict this: “Catholics and Atheists should meet on common ground doing good” - ‘Who am I to Judge” - ” don’t obsess with birth control nor abortion” - “Feed the poor” btw Christ always said that He came to save sinners. The beatitudes is a beautiful work although is all sits close behind the spiritual principle and pinnacle of Christ’s desire to ‘save sinners’. I believe that the final prophecy of Saint Francis makes a direct reference to this pope. It’s always good to hear of lapsed Catholics returning only if they are desiring to live the ‘whole’ truth of Catholicism rather than align themselves with a Pope who satisfies their emotions and thinking. Saint Paul struggled with sin although he stood as a sign of contradiction insofar as the true faith was concerned. To date I have NEVER spoken as I have here about a Pope. I believe that ecclesiastical masonry has infiltrated the hierarchy up to the chair of St Peter. There is plenty of Scripture to back this up. There is plenty of True Revelation to back this claim including the words from Our Blessed Mother to Fr Gobbi during the years 1973-1997. Subtle craftiness is being served up in bucket-load within the Vatican. Having said all of this, the Catholic Church will always survive ‘underground’, In secret, to survive communism, humanism and especially atheism which are incorporated in the banner of Masonry. Be on guard.

Posted by wkndbeachcomber on Wednesday, Feb 26, 2014 1:19 AM (EDT):

Dan, you’re a fair-minded guy. I’ve seen you on EWTN… nothing but respect for you and the job you’ve don. But why the muzzle on Patty A?

C’mon, make it right, or at least take the time to explain this to your readers. This will be a black eye that sticks for quite a while.

I know: Editor: Off topic.

Posted by Jim Bond on Saturday, Feb 22, 2014 12:56 AM (EDT):

Dan’s recommendation of John Martignoni is spot on. From initially having no idea of how to defend the faith, I’ve been in positions where I can now give a reasoned account of it; this I’ve done to refute amongst others the leader of a small protestant “church” who was being very selective in his biblical quotes to justify his view of baptism.

John certainly gave me confidence to stand up for the faith.

Posted by Patrick J. Sheahan on Monday, Feb 17, 2014 12:06 AM (EDT):

I don’t get EWTN Radio in Canada but I do receive EWTN TV plus we also have in the Toronto area Salt and Light TV which is a Canadian Catholic station. In both cases I generally find the content quite interesting but the presentation is not very professional, perhaps funding is the problem. It is television after all and to simply have people sitting in a studio talking isn’t going to attract people who have so many other avenues to get information from.
I guess I could say it might be Catholic friendly but I can’t imagine seekers or young people would find it very compelling.
I am grateful to have the channels as there is so much other garbage and so-called reality shows vying for eye balls.
Patrick J. Sheahan.
Hamilton Ontario.

Posted by Marilyn Harden on Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 9:39 PM (EDT):

I am starting my comment over because when I submitted I was supposed to enter “the word in the box” which was “thirty 35”. I thought it was probably a test of my discernment so I only entered the word, not the numbers; my error; I was directed back to this page—to find my comments had disappeared. Anyway, thank you for publicizing the Bible Christian Society, which is a gem. I started using John’s materials when the talks were on cassette tape; they are one of the instruments God used to make me a proud “Born Again Catholic” from an indifferent, uneducated one with one foot in the Evangelical church. John backs up his apologetic arguments with scripture, a novelty in the Church back then. The story of his reconversion and inadvertently founding the Bible Christian Society deserves to be heard by everyone; it is an educational, inspirational and delightful account of how God works to accomplish his purposes. I strongly recommend all John’s talks, materials and programs.

Posted by THANKFUL on Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 3:48 PM (EDT):

Editor: Off topic

Posted by David224 on Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 3:13 PM (EDT):

I have downloaded all the MP3’s from this great website. These are very informative. I recommend the ministry.

Posted by TheInformer on Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 4:36 AM (EDT):

Editor: Off topic

Posted by Randy on Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 12:52 AM (EDT):

Editor: Off topic

Posted by Elizabeth on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 9:21 PM (EDT):

I’ve been a big fan of John Martignoni’s apologetics coaching since I converted nine years ago. When I catch up with my favorite podcasts, John’s are the ones I listen to, first.

Down to earth and systematic - he has taught me a lot about breaking down the core objections and responding to them from the heart of the Church, not from my own opinion.

He’s also taught me not to “take it lying down.” The faith is worth standing up for - worth being unpopular for - worth being ridiculed and mocked. I have listened to all the mp3 downloads at Bible Christian Society more than once - some of them WAY more. Having the correct information memorized makes a quick and reasonable response easy.

Posted by Michael on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 9:17 PM (EDT):

Editor: Off Topic

Posted by Sirach on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 12:49 PM (EDT):

I have learned a great deal from John’s Open Line show Mondays on EWTN. What I really like are the 2 minute Apologetics, both on the radio and his website www.biblechristiansociety.com. It has helped me a great deal with those people who throw out the typical false “surface” arguments. John’s responses are short and concise but in-depth enough to stymie the false accusers in their tracks.

Posted by David Manthei on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 12:32 PM (EDT):

Dan is spot-on. John Martignoni takes the most common non-Catholic arguments to their most basic level, and shows Catholics how to easily and reasonably defend the One True Faith. The Bible Christian Society (John’s organization) has helped me immeasurably in defending the Faith…and I have even witnessed the conversion of a friend recently. Thank you Mr. Martignoni for cooperating with God in your work!

Posted by Steve on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 10:54 AM (EDT):

I have great respect, praise and gratitude towards John Martignoni. He has excellent Audio downloads on his Bible Christian Society website: www.biblechristiansociety.com/download
These downloads have been of tremendous help to me - as I try to improve my Catholic Spiritual journey. As one of the best in Catholic apologetics, I urge every Catholic to study his teachings. Steve - London,UK.

Posted by johnnysc on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 10:09 AM (EDT):

I remember when I first started wanting to know my Faith better and found the Open Line Show. This is when they had a single show host and I would download the podcast for all five days and I was at a job that allowed me to be able to listen on an mp3 player. Listening to those shows (and I continue to do so)were so instrumental to the growth and knowledge of my Catholic Faith. John Martignoni, Barbara McGuigan, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, Patrick Madrid and Colin Donovan. Through John’s show I was led to his web site Bible Christian Society which contains many wonderful Catholic apologetic talks and his newsletter. Check it out…..

http://www.biblechristiansociety.com/home.php

Posted by Chris Noyes on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 9:52 AM (EDT):

John Martinoni does great work. He is the founder of The Bible Christian Society. He has free CDs or audio downloads. I have learned a lot about defending our Catholic faith!

Posted by Hegesippus on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 7:05 AM (EDT):

Fair enough, Dan. I tend to find that covering the fact once, to answer more for the neutral reader, is useful. The troll, on pushing further, can then be ignored. Sorry to head a little off topic.

BTW, having problems with the image copy thing below to post.

Posted by Mike on Saturday, Feb 15, 2014 12:35 AM (EDT):

John is not only a top notch apologist, but he’s a very likeable guy.

One of the nicest guys I’ve ever had the chance to talk yo about our most holy faith.

Oh yeah…and darn right we stand and fight! Christ did it for us and the early church stood and were martyred for it. How can we be cowards and do any less in such company!
Pax Domini sit semper vobiscu,

Posted by Chris Weller on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 10:47 PM (EDT):

John has give many a good Catholic a stiffened spine and a sword and shield to protect and defend the faith. I have turned many people on to him. His CDs helped tremendously with my son’s faith formation. He is now a third year student at UVA and is a strong catholic leader on campus. Thanks, John!!

Posted by Robbie Baldwin on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 9:21 PM (EDT):

John is one of the best in Catholic apologetics. I recommend every Catholic to study his teachings to better learn about what the Church teaches, and also how to defend the faith to those Protestants and others that through their lack of knowledge or their igoism try to take down the Church. After all, their 30,000 denominations have us out numbered so we need to stand tall.

Posted by Paul on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 8:31 PM (EDT):

Dan, I have been a big fan of John Martignoni for many years. Of all the Catholic apologists I read as I converted from Bible Only Christianity, John was the most direct and to the point. His Bible Christian Society newsletter and web site has been a tremendous support for me as I try to gently lead my Protestant wife and teenage sons along the same journey I have made.

Posted by Dan Burke on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 8:19 PM (EDT):

Hegesippus - Thanks but no need to go down that path. Don’t let a troll pull you off target.

Posted by Hap Stone on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 5:52 PM (EDT):

Years ago toward the end of my RCIA period - I was chatting with my favorite deacon - a man of great strength and kind spirit,about the size of the class and how enthusiastic it was ... he was quiet for moment and I wondered if I had some how offended him, then without looking up he quietly said:

Yes, I wonder though how many would be willing die for their faith.”

I guess I thought for heavens sake Deacon this is America when would they ever face that!!

Posted by Hegesippus on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 5:46 PM (EDT):

Michael, that you are even arguing this clearly presents an ‘increasingly hostile climate’.

But here goes: increasingly open and hostile attitudes promoted in the media and entertainment spheres, political attacks such as the US contraception issue, judicial attacks such as priests who have been very falsely accused of heinous crimes being named but never charged, the UN informing the Vatican it must promote abortion in the interests of children, deliberate/lazy promotion of the pope’s words being skewed badly, the Church being blamed for an abuse crisis that is far worse in other areas of life, atheistic hostility claiming the Church as unscientific and irrational whilst using unscientific and irrational arguments, etc, etc.

If this is not enough, peruse New Advent or Big Pulpit for a few days. Or simply trawl the net.

If you need any sources for these issues, ask. Or better still use a search engine. Careful, though, as there are anti-Catholic teachings being pushed on some of these…

Posted by Jennifer on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 2:06 PM (EDT):

Awesome!!! Thanks for the new ammo!

Posted by Michael on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 12:43 PM (EDT):

Editor: Thank you for the clarification.

Assessing that an assertion suffers from the fallacy of petitio principii is not “quibbling about writing style,” and it is particularly ironic that in a post about *apologetics* you are shutting down a legitimate and earnest scrutiny of a premise, but it’s your website.

Cheers.

Posted by Michael on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 12:30 PM (EDT):

Editor: I have reviewed your policies and request clarification… were my comments uncharitable? Unthoughtful? Disrespectful? In what sense were they off-topic since I asked specific questions regarding the fundamental assertion of the post, i.e. that the Church is, in the words of the author, “under attack”?

I asked an earnest question with respect to the premise, and the reply is that “it is obvious to anyone engaged in the Catholic news today?” That seems to be more of the same refusal to examine the first premise, no?

Editor: Michael - Off topic - the post is promoting good apologetics materials. This is the focus. If you would like to comment about that - have at it. If you want to quibble about writing style in a BLOG post - you can keep that to yourself. Your tone and approach is not in keeping with the kind of constructive engagement we are seeking to facilitate.

Posted by Michael on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 12:17 PM (EDT):

Dan: “the increasingly hostile climate that surrounds the Catholic Church today”
Increasing by which metric? Do you have some statistics to support your assertion?

Editor (Michael - this is an issue that is not in question in this post. Dan is not seeking to prove this point and it is obvious to anyone engaged in Catholic news today. He is simply promoting excellent apologetics materials. The remainder of your comments are off topic and inappropriate. Please review our combox policies and stay on topic.)

Posted by Gloria Schotten on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 11:06 AM (EDT):

Like John, I have been defending the Catholic Church tooth and nail ; for a few years was back and forth with two ex Catholics who were rabidly anti Catholic (Proclaiming the Gospel)All of a sudden They have vanished,kaput,gone thank God.

Posted by Catechist Kev on Friday, Feb 14, 2014 9:32 AM (EDT):

I love John’s style for defending the faith! We had him come to some of our parishes in our diocese some years ago. A fine Catholic man, is he.

I lead what I call “faith stuides” and use apologetics as the approach. (of you call them “Bible” or “Catechism” studies, the attendance may be minimal!)

The sorry thing I have encountered is having to defend the faith towards those who call themselves Catholic. (sigh) Oh well, I just show them from the Bible and Catechism it is *not* Kev’s “opinions”, this is Holy Mother Church speaking to us.

BTW Dan, just finished your book. It was a tad daunting in parts for me (the *challenging* sections, I mean), but you have given me the tools I need to put on the armor for teaching the faith. I am currently in the process of seeking a spiritual director.

Thanks so much!
CKev

Posted by Dan Burke on Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 9:35 PM (EDT):

You are right Charles. Check out John’s resources, I think you will like them.

Posted by charles on Thursday, Feb 13, 2014 9:33 PM (EDT):

Stand and fight. God is on our side. What else do we need really.

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About Dan Burke

Dan Burke is an award-winning author, writer, and speaker on Catholic spirituality, sharing a contagious love for Jesus and His Church. Dan serves as the Executive Director and writer for EWTN'S National Catholic Register and is a regular co-host on Register Radio in addition to his appearances on many other EWTN television and radio programs. Dan is the founder and president of the Avila Institute for Spiritual Formation, and he is the creator of Divine Intimacy Radio and SpiritualDirection.com. Above all, Dan is a grateful husband and father of four and a student sitting at the feet of His Master.